System and method to display media content and an interactive display

ABSTRACT

A method includes displaying a second user interface while a subscriber is interacting with a first user interface during playback of at least a portion of a first content segment. The second user interface includes one or more selectable transition options associated with performing a transition with respect to a second content segment. The first user interface includes one or more selectable options associated with the first content segment. The method includes receiving input indicating a selection of a particular transition option of the one or more transition options via the second user interface.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority from and is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/957,087, filed Dec.14, 2007 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DISPLAY MEDIA CONTENT AND ANINTERACTIVE DISPLAY”, the content of which is expressly incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to displaying media contentand an interactive display.

BACKGROUND

Modern communication networks may be used to deliver media content, suchas movies, television shows, or video-on-demand programs, tosubscribers. A service provider may also provide the subscriber with aninteractive display. One problem with presenting an interactive displayrelates to determining when to display the interactive display. Forexample, when the interactive display is displayed, the interactivedisplay should not interrupt the media content being delivered to thesubscriber or prevent the subscriber from viewing an entire mediacontent segment. Further, when the subscriber is interacting with theinteractive display, the interaction should not prevent the subscriberfrom viewing subsequent media content. Thus, there is a need for animproved system and method for displaying media content and aninteractive display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system to display mediacontent and an interactive display;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method of usingan interactive display;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a second particular embodiment of a methodof using an interactive display;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a graphical userinterface to display an interactive display;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second particular embodiment of a graphicaluser interface to display an interactive display; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a generalcomputer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In a particular embodiment, a method of displaying an interactivedisplay at a set top box (STB) device is disclosed. The method includesreceiving a media content stream, the media content stream including afirst content segment and a second content segment, the second contentsegment received at the STB device after the first content segment. Themethod also includes displaying a first interactive display, the firstinteractive display including at least one field to receive user input.The method also includes displaying a second interactive display afterdisplaying the first interactive display but before displaying thesecond content segment. The method also includes performing auser-designated transition with respect to the second content segmentbased on a user input via the second interactive display.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing media content at a mediacontent server is disclosed. The method includes sending media contentto at least one set top box (STB) device, the media content including afirst content segment and a second content segment, the second contentsegment to be sent after the first content segment. The method alsoincludes sending a marker to the at least one STB before sending thesecond content segment, the marker to instruct the at least one STB todisplay a first interactive display. The method also includesinstructing the at least one STB to display a second interactive displayin response to determining that the second content segment is scheduledto be sent to the at least one STB. The method also includes receivingdata associated with user input received via use of the secondinteractive display at the at least one STB, the received dataidentifying a user-designated transition with respect to the firstinteractive display and the second content segment.

In another embodiment, a system to process a media content stream isdisclosed. The system includes a media content control module to receivea media content stream. The media content stream includes a firstcontent segment and a second content segment. The second content segmentis received after the first content segment. The system also includes aninteractive display module. The interactive display module displays afirst interactive display, where the first interactive display includesat least one field to receive user input. The interactive display modulealso displays a second interactive display after displaying the firstinteractive display but before displaying the second content segment.The interactive display module also performs a user-designatedtransition with respect to the second content segment based on a userinput received via the second interactive display.

In another embodiment, a computer program product is disclosed. Thecomputer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium.The computer-readable storage medium includes operational instructionsexecutable by a processor for displaying an interactive display at a settop box (STB) device. The computer program product includes operationalinstructions for receiving a media content stream, the media contentstream including a first content segment and a second content segment,the second content segment received at the STB device after the firstcontent segment. The computer program product also includes operationalinstructions for displaying a first interactive display, the firstinteractive display including at least one field to receive user input.The computer program product also includes operational instructions fordisplaying a second interactive display after displaying the firstinteractive display but before displaying the second content segment.The computer program product also includes operational instructions forperforming a user-designated transition with respect to the secondcontent segment based on a user input received via the secondinteractive display.

In another embodiment, a system to distribute media content isdisclosed. The system includes a media content control module to sendmedia content to at least one set top box (STB) device. The mediacontent includes a first content segment and a second content segment,the second content segment to be sent after the first content segment.The media content control module also sends a marker to the at least oneSTB device before sending the second content segment to the at least oneSTB device. The marker causes the at least one STB device to display aninteractive display. The media content control module receives userinput data identifying a user-designated transition with respect todisplaying the first interactive display and the second content segment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system 100 todisplay media content and an interactive display. In a particularembodiment, the system 100 includes a set-top box (STB) device 102coupled to a private Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) access network128 via network access customer premises equipment (CPE) 130. A medialibrary server 132, an electronic program guide (EPG) server 134, abilling server 136, and a media content server 140 are also coupled tothe IPTV access network 128. A data storage device 150 is coupled to themedia content server 140.

In a particular embodiment, the STB device 102 is configured to displaymedia content received from the media content server 140 via the IPTVaccess network 128. The STB device 102 includes an STB processor 104 anda memory 106 accessible to the STB processor 104. The STB device 102communicates with the IPTV access network 128 via a network interface108. The STB processor 104 communicates media content to a displaydevice 112 via a display interface 110. In addition, the STB processor104 communicates with a remote control 116 via a remote interface 114. Amedia content stream may be selected from an input device associatedwith the STB device 102, such as the remote control 116. For example, amedia content stream may include one or more media content segments,such as a first content segment and a second content segment. Forexample, the first and second content segment may each be a televisionshow, a movie, or a video-on-demand program.

The memory 106 includes a media content control module 118, aninteractive display module 120, and a billing module 122. In aparticular embodiment, the billing module 122 may include instructionsexecutable by the STB processor 104 to record billing informationrelating to viewing a media content stream, such as a television show ormovie. In a particular embodiment, the media control module 118 mayinclude instructions executable by the STB processor 104 to receivemedia content from the media content server 140. In a particularembodiment, the media content control module 118 may also includeinstructions executable by the STB processor 104 to provide mediacontent to the display device 112 via the display interface 110.

The STB device 102 may also communicate with a data storage device, suchas the data storage device 126. For example, the data storage device 126may be coupled to the set-top box device 102. In another example, thedata storage device 126 may be integrated with the STB device 102. Thedata storage device 126 may include a digital video recorder (DVR). In aparticular embodiment, the STB device 102 may be configured to instructthe data storage device 126 to record one or more media contentsegments.

In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device 102 may be configuredto request and receive media content, such as a television show, movie,or video-on-demand program, from the media content server 140. Thenetwork access CPE 130 may facilitate communication between the networkinterface 108 and the IPTV access network 128. The network access CPE130 may include a router, a local area network device, a modem, such asa digital subscriber line (DSL) modem, a residential gateway, any othersuitable device for facilitating communication between the networkinterface 108 of the set-top box device 102 and the private IPTV accessnetwork 128, or any combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment, the media content control module 118 mayalso include instructions executable by the STB processor 104 to analyzea portion of the media content stream and determine a characteristic ofthe media content stream. For example, the STB processor 104 may analyzea portion of the media content stream to determine a characteristic ofthe media content stream, such as a marker, an opening credits, or aclosing credits of a movie, television show, or video-on-demand program.The STB device 102 may display a first interactive display afteridentifying the determined characteristic of the media content stream.For example, the first interactive display may allow a user to purchasemedia content, such as the first media content segment.

The interactive display module 120 may also include instructionsexecutable by the STB processor 104 to display multiple interactivedisplays. In one illustrative embodiment, the interactive display module120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display a firstinteractive display and to receive user input related to media content.The interactive display may allow a subscriber associated with the STBdevice 102 to submit a recommendation, submit comments, purchaserecently or currently viewed media content or related merchandise, orview related media content. For example, the interactive display module120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display a firstinteractive display that enables the subscriber to recommend therecently viewed media content to a friend or relative. Additionally, theinteractive display module 120 may be executable by the STB processor104 to display a first interactive display that enables the subscriberto submit comments about the recently viewed media content for others toview.

The interactive display module 120 may be executable by the STBprocessor 104 to display a first interactive display that enables thesubscriber to purchase the recently viewed media content or merchandiserelated to the recently viewed media content, such as books, orclothing. The purchased media content may be recorded onto a physicalmedia and sent to the subscriber, or the STB device 102 may be adaptedto download the purchased media content. Similarly, the interactivedisplay module 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to displaya first interactive display that enables the subscriber to selectrelated media content to view, such as movies directed by the samedirector, or television shows starring the same actors as in recently orcurrently viewed content. Thus, when the subscriber is viewing a firstmedia content segment, a second media content segment may be scheduledfor delivery to the STB device 102, and the subscriber may also use thefirst interactive module to schedule delivery of a third media contentsegment related to the first media content segment. An example of aninteractive display Graphical User Interface (GUI) is illustrated inFIG. 4.

In a particular embodiment, the interactive display module 120 may beexecutable by the STB processor 104 to determine a time to display aninteractive display. The time determined by the interactive displaymodule 120 to display the first interactive display may be associatedwith a time to display opening credits or closing credits. For example,the first interactive display may be displayed at the start of theclosing credits of a television show or movie included in the mediacontent stream, so that the first interactive display does not interferewith viewing the media content stream. The interactive display module120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display a firstinteractive display on display device 112 along with or instead of themedia content stream. In one illustrative embodiment, the interactivedisplay module 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to displaythe first interactive display as a pop-up window that overlays the mediacontent stream, to enable user interaction with the interactive displaywhile the media content stream is viewed.

In another illustrative embodiment, the interactive display module 120may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display both the firstinteractive display and the media content stream, each in a distinctportion of the display device 112. For example, the interactive displaymodule 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display twowindows on the display device 112, with a first window displaying thefirst interactive display and a second window displaying the mediacontent stream. The two windows may be the same size or different sizes.

In another illustrative embodiment, the interactive display module 120may be executable by the STB processor 104 to selectively pause themedia content stream while displaying the first interactive display. Forexample, the interactive display module 120 may be executable by the STBprocessor 104 to instruct the media content server 140 to pause themedia content stream until the interactive display module 120 determinesthat the subscriber has completed interacting with the first interactivedisplay.

In another illustrative embodiment, the interactive display module 120may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display the firstinteractive display while playing an audio portion, but not a videoportion, of the media content stream. For example, the interactivedisplay module 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 toinstruct the display device 112 to display a video portion of the firstinteractive display and an audio portion of the media content.

In another illustrative embodiment, the interactive display module 120may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display a secondinteractive display including user-selectable options associated with auser-designated transition. A first interactive page may be displayed ator near the end of a first content segment. The second interactivedisplay may be displayed in response to determining that a secondcontent segment is scheduled for delivery while the first interactivedisplay is being displayed. The user-designated transition may enablethe subscriber to choose how to transition from the first interactivedisplay to the second content segment. The subscriber may choose anoption using the remote control 116, and the STB device 102 may receivethe subscriber's selection via the remote interface 114.

In one example of a user-designated transition, the interactive displaymodule 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display thesecond interactive display and the media content control module 118 maybe executable by the STB processor 104 to send a request to the mediacontent server 140 to record the second content segment at a datastorage device, such as data storage device 126 or data storage device150. In another example of a user-designated transition, the interactivedisplay module 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 toinstruct the media content server 140 to pause the second contentstream. For example, the second content stream may be paused until theinteractive display module 120 receives an indication that thesubscriber has finished interacting with the first interactive display.In another example of a user-designated transition, the interactivedisplay module 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 toselectively display the first content segment and the second contentsegment. For example, the first content segment and the second contentsegment may both be displayed on the display device 112 by displayingeach media content segment in separate, adjacent windows. In a fourthexample of a user-designated transition, the interactive display module120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to display the firstinteractive display after displaying the second content segment. Anexample of a second particular embodiment of a graphical user interfaceto display an interactive display with user-selectable transitionoptions is shown in FIG. 5.

The user-designated transition associated with the second interactivedisplay may be determined based on one or more of a user selection, auser profile, and a default transition. For example, the user may beasked to select a user-designated transition. Additionally, a userprofile may be programmed to specify a user-designated transition. Forexample, the media control module 118 may be executable by the STBprocessor 104 to ask the user to specify a user-designated transitionthe first time the STB device 102 is powered on and then use thespecified user-designated transition for subsequent transitions.Additionally, a user-designated transition may be specified by themanufacturer of the STB device 102 or a service provider as a defaultuser-designated transition, which can be altered by the user.

In a particular embodiment, the media content server 140 includes aprocessing logic 142, a memory 144, and a data storage device 150. Thememory 144 includes a media content control module 146 and a billingmodule 148. The media content control module 146 may includeinstructions executable by the processing logic 142 to receive one ormore media content stream requests from the STB device 102. The mediacontent control module 146 may also include instructions executable bythe processing logic 142 to send one or more media content streams tothe STB device 102. For example, a media content stream may include oneor more media content segments, such as a first content segment and asecond content segment. For example, the first and second contentsegment may each be a television show, a movie, or a video-on-demandprogram.

In a particular embodiment, the media content control module 146 mayalso include instructions executable by the processing logic 142 to senda marker in the media content stream. For example, the marker may besent with the first content segment, before the second content segment,or with the second content segment. The marker may be detectable by theSTB device 102 and may cause the STB device 102 to display a firstinteractive display after identifying the marker in the media contentstream. For example, the marker may cause the STB device 102 to displaya first interactive display, which enables a user to purchase a contentsegment, such as the first media content segment.

In a particular embodiment, the media content control module 146 may beexecutable by the processing logic 142 to send instructions to the STBdevice 102 to display a second interactive display when the mediacontent control module 146 determines that the second content segment isscheduled to be sent to the STB device 102. The media content controlmodule 146 may be executable by the processing logic 142 to receive fromthe STB device 102 a user input via the second interactive display,where the user input identifies a user-designated transition withrespect to the first interactive display and the second interactivedisplay. For example, if a subscriber is using the first interactivedisplay to purchase a first content segment, and the media contentcontrol module 146 determines that a second content segment is scheduledto be delivered to the subscriber, then the media content control module146 may send instructions to the STB device 102 to display the secondinteractive display. The second interactive display may includeuser-selectable options. For example, the second interactive display mayenable the subscriber to select an option to record the second contentsegment at a DVR or an option to delay delivery of the second contentsegment until the subscriber has completed interacting with the firstinteractive display.

In a particular embodiment, the billing module 148 may includeinstructions executable by the processing logic 142 to receive billingdata from the STB device 102. The data storage device 150 may include adigital video recorder (DVR) for recording, storing, and sending one ormore media content segments to the STB device 102.

The set-top box device 102 and the media content server 140 maycommunicate with the media library server 132, the electronic programguide (EPG) server 134, the billing server 136, or any combinationthereof, via the IPTV access network 128. The media library server 132may store the media content, such as television shows, movies, andvideo-on-demand programs, which is distributed by the media contentserver 140. The EPG server 134 may provide information about the mediacontent scheduled for delivery to the STB device 102, such as a starttime of the media content, an end time of the media content, the type ofthe media content, and a rating describing the intended audience of themedia content. The billing server 136 may periodically receive billinginformation from the billing module 122 and use the billing informationto generate a bill for the subscriber.

For ease of explanation, the various modules 118-122 and 146-148 havebeen described in terms of processor-executable instructions. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that such modules can beimplemented as hardware logic, processor-executable instructions, or anycombination thereof. In addition, although a single STB device 102 isillustrated, the system 100 may include any number of STB devices. Asused herein, an STB device may be any device capable of receiving mediacontent via an IPTV access network, such as a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cell phone, a portable media device, or any other deviceconfigured to receive the media content and send the content to adisplay.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method ofdisplaying media content and using an interactive display. The methodmay be executed by a module, such as the media content control module118 in FIG. 1. At 202, a first interactive display may be displayed, thefirst interactive display including at least one field to receive userinput. For example, the STB device 102 may receive a media contentstream from the media content server 140. The media content stream mayinclude a first content segment and a second content segment that is tobe displayed after display of the first content segment. For example,the first content segment may be a first episode of a television show,while the second content segment may be a second episode of a televisionshow or a movie.

At 204, a first interactive display may be displayed, the firstinteractive display including at least one field to receive user input.An example of a first interactive display is shown in FIG. 4. The firstinteractive display may provide user-designated options for performingan action related to the media content stream, such as purchasing themedia content stream or purchasing merchandise related to the mediacontent stream. The interactive display and the media content stream mayboth be displayed so that a subscriber can interact with the interactivedisplay while viewing the media content stream. At 206, a secondinteractive display may be displayed after displaying the firstinteractive display but before displaying the second content segment.For example, the second interactive display may provide auser-designated transition to allow the user to pause or record thesecond content segment. FIG. 5 is an example of an interactive display,which allows a user to select a user-designated transition.

At 208, a user-designated transition may be performed with respect tothe second content segment based on a user input received via the secondinteractive display. The user-designated transition may be selected fromseveral options. For example, the user-designated transition may includethe interactive display module 120 displaying the interactive displayand the media content control module 118 sending a request to the mediacontent server 140 to record the second content segment at a datastorage device, such as the data storage device 126 or the data storagedevice 150. In another example of a user-designated transition, theinteractive display module 120 may be executable by the STB processor104 to send a request to the media content server 140 to pause thesecond content stream. For example, the second content stream may bepaused until the interactive display module 120 receives an indicationthat the subscriber has finished using the interactive display. In athird example of a user-designated transition, the interactive displaymodule 120 may be executable by the STB processor 104 to selectivelydisplay the first content segment and the second content segment. Forexample, the first content segment and the second content segment mayboth be displayed on the display device 112 by displaying each contentsegment in separate, adjacent windows. In a fourth example of auser-designated transition, the interactive display module 120 may beexecutable by the STB processor 104 to display the interactive displayafter displaying the second content segment. The method terminates at212.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method ofdisplaying media content and an interactive display. The method may beexecuted by a module, such as the media content control module 146 inFIG. 1. At 302, media content is sent to at least one set top box (STB)device, the media content including a first content segment and a secondcontent segment, the second content segment to be sent after the firstcontent segment. For example, the media content may be sent by a mediacontent server, such as the media content server 140 in FIG. 1. The atleast one STB device may be an STB device, such as the STB device 102 inFIG. 1. At 304, a marker may be sent to the at least one STB beforesending the second content segment, the marker to instruct the at leastone STB to display a first interactive display. For example, the markermay be sent by a media content server, such as the media content server140, to an STB device, such as the STB device 102. At 306, the at leastone STB device may be instructed to display a second interactive displayin response to determining that the second content segment is scheduledto be sent to the at least one STB. The method terminates at 310.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a particular embodiment of a graphical userinterface (GUI) 400 which may provide an interactive display. Thegraphical user interface 400 may be provided by a display device coupledto a set-top box device, such as the STB device 102 in FIG. 1. Thegraphical user interface 400 provides a subscriber with options forperforming an action related to the media content currently beingviewed. A first selectable option 402 enables the subscriber to submit arecommendation related to the content being viewed. A second selectableoption 404 enables the subscriber to submit comments related to thecontent being viewed. A third selectable option 406 enables thesubscriber to purchase content or merchandise related to the contentbeing viewed. For example, the subscriber may purchase a t-shirt, aposter, or an audio soundtrack related to the content being viewed. Afourth selectable option 408 enables the subscriber to view contentrelated to the content being viewed. A fifth selectable option 402enables the subscriber to exit the interactive display graphical userinterface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a second particular embodiment of a graphicaluser interface (GUI) 500 which may provide an interactive display. Thegraphical user interface 500 may be presented on a display, such as thedisplay device 112, via a set-top box device, such as the STB device 102in FIG. 1. In a particular embodiment, the GUI 500 may be displayed whena second content segment is scheduled for display while a firstinteractive display, such as the GUI 400 in FIG. 4, is displayed. Forexample, a subscriber may interact with a first interactive display,such as the interactive display shown in FIG. 4, which allows thesubscriber to submit a recommendation or comment, purchase content orrelated merchandise, or view related content. If a second contentsegment is scheduled for display, the graphical user interface 500 maypresented to the subscriber. The second interactive display may providethe subscriber with user-selectable options 502-512 for selecting auser-designated transition between the first interactive display and thesecond content segment. A first selectable option 502 enables thesubscriber to continue interacting with the interactive display andrecord a second content segment at the digital video recorder (DVR). TheDVR may be a digital storage device, such as data storage device 126. Asecond selectable option 504 enables the subscriber to continueinteracting with the interactive display and record the second contentsegment at a media content server, such as media content server 140 inFIG. 1. A third selectable option 506 enables the subscriber to continueinteracting with the interactive display and pause the second contentsegment. A fourth selectable option 508 enables the subscriber to viewthe interactive display and the second content segment. A fifthselectable option 510 enables the subscriber to display the interactivedisplay after displaying the second content segment. A sixth selectableoption 512 enables the subscriber to exit the interactive displaygraphical user interface.

Referring to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a general computersystem is shown and is designated 600. The computer system 600 caninclude a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the computersystem 600 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 600, or any portionthereof, may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g.,using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices,including a media library server, an electronic program guide (EPG)server, a billing server, a media content server, or a set-top boxdevice, as shown in FIG. 1.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of an IPTV server, such as a video server or applicationserver, or a set-top box device. The computer system 600 can also beimplemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer,a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, aland-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimilemachine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance,a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable ofexecuting a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specifyactions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment, thecomputer system 600 can be implemented using electronic devices thatprovide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a singlecomputer system 600 is illustrated, the term “system” shall also betaken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the computer system 600 may include aprocessor 602, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), agraphics-processing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system600 can include a main memory 604 and a static memory 606 that cancommunicate with each other via a bus 608. As shown, the computer system600 may further include a video display unit 610, such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flatpanel display, a solid-state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT).Additionally, the computer system 600 may include an input device 612,such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 614, such as a mouse.The computer system 600 can also include a disk drive unit 616, a signalgeneration device 618, such as a speaker or remote control, and anetwork interface device 620.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 6, the disk drive unit616 may include a computer-readable medium 622 in which one or more setsof instructions 624, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 624 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 624 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 604,the static memory 606, and/or within the processor 602 during executionby the computer system 600. The main memory 604 and the processor 602also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium thatincludes instructions 624 or receives and executes instructions 624responsive to a propagated signal, so that a device connected to anetwork 626 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 626.Further, the instructions 624 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 626 via the network interface device 620.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by aprocessor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more ofthe methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device. Accordingly,the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium and other equivalents and successor media, inwhich data or instructions may be stored.

In accordance with various embodiments, the methods described herein maybe implemented as one or more software programs running on a computerprocessor. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limitedto, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Furthermore, alternative softwareimplementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

It should also be noted that software that implements the disclosedmethods may optionally be stored on a tangible storage medium, such as:a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk; or a solid state medium, such as a memory cardor other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories. The software may also utilize a signal including computerinstructions. A digital file attachment to e-mail or otherself-contained information archive or set of archives is considered adistribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storagemedium or distribution medium as listed herein, and other equivalentsand successor media, in which the software implementations herein may bestored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to suchstandards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and otherpacket switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP)represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards areperiodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards andprotocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed hereinare considered equivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.52(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: displaying a second userinterface prior to playback of a second content segment when asubscriber is interacting with a first user interface during playback ofat least a portion of a first content segment, wherein the second userinterface includes one or more selectable transition options associatedwith performing a transition with respect to the second content segment,and wherein the first user interface includes one or more selectableoptions associated with the first content segment; and receiving inputindicating a selection of a particular transition option of the one ormore transition options via the second user interface.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising receiving input indicating a selection of atleast one of the one or more selectable options associated with thefirst content segment via the first user interface.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the selection of the at least one of the one or moreselectable options associated with the first content segment is receivedprior to displaying the second user interface.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the selection of the at least one of the one or more selectableoptions associated with the first content segment is received subsequentto the selection of the particular transition option.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the selection of the at least one of the one or moreselectable options associated with the first content segment isassociated with a purchase of content or merchandise related to thefirst content segment, the method further comprising generating billinginformation based on the selection of the at least one of the one ormore selectable options associated with the first content segment. 6.The method of claim 5, further comprising transmitting the billinginformation to a billing server configured to bill for the purchase ofthe content or merchandise related to the first content segment.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more selectable options associatedwith the first content segment include a first selectable option topurchase content associated with the first content segment, a secondselectable option to purchase merchandise associated with the firstcontent segment, a third selectable option to view additional content, afourth selectable option to submit a recommendation related to the firstcontent segment, a fifth selectable option to submit a comment relatedto the first content segment, a sixth selectable option to close thefirst user interface, or a combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the one or more selectable transition options include a firstselectable transition option to display the first user interface in afirst window while concurrently displaying the second content segment ina second window, a second selectable transition option to display thefirst user interface while playing an audio portion, but not a videoportion, of the second content segment, a third selectable transitionoption to send a request to pause transmission of the second contentsegment to a media content server while displaying the first userinterface, a fourth selectable transition option to display the firstuser interface while recording the second content segment, or acombination thereof.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein, when theselection of the particular transition option indicates a selection ofthe fourth selectable transition option, recording the second contentsegment at a digital video recorder.
 10. A computer-readable storagedevice comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, causethe processor to perform a operations comprising: displaying a seconduser interface prior to playback of a second content segment when asubscriber is interacting with a first user interface during playback ofat least a portion of a first content segment, wherein the second userinterface includes one or more selectable transition options associatedwith performing a transition with respect to the second content segment,and wherein the first user interface includes one or more selectableoptions associated with the first content segment; and receiving inputindicating a selection of a particular transition option of the one ormore transition options via the second user interface.
 11. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 10, wherein the operationsfurther comprise receiving input indicating a selection of at least oneof the one or more selectable options associated with the first contentsegment via the first user interface.
 12. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 11, wherein the selection of the at least one of the oneor more selectable options associated with the first content segment isassociated with a purchase related to the first content segment, whereinthe operations further comprise: generating billing information based onthe selection of the at least one of the one or more selectable optionsassociated with the first content; and transmitting the billinginformation to a billing server configured to bill for the purchaserelated to the first content segment.
 13. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 12, wherein the purchase related to the first contentsegment includes a purchase of content related to the first contentsegment, a purchase of merchandise related to the first content segment,a purchase of the first content segment, or a combination thereof. 14.The computer-readable storage device of claim 11, wherein the selectionof the at least one of the one or more selectable options associatedwith the first content segment is received subsequent to the selectionof the particular transition option.
 15. A system comprising: aprocessor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:displaying a second user interface prior to playback of a second contentsegment when a subscriber is interacting with a first user interfaceduring playback of at least a portion of a first content segment,wherein the second user interface includes one or more selectabletransition options associated with performing a transition with respectto the second content segment, wherein the first user interface includesone or more selectable options associated with the first contentsegment; and receiving input indicating a selection of a particulartransition option of the one or more transition options via the seconduser interface.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the operationsfurther comprise receiving input indicating a selection of at least oneof the one or more selectable options associated with the first contentsegment via the first user interface.
 17. The system of claim 16,wherein the selection of the at least one of the one or more selectableoptions associated with the first content segment is associated with apurchase related to the first content segment, wherein the operationsfurther comprise: generating billing information based on the purchase;and transmitting the billing information to a billing server configuredto bill for the purchase.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein theselection of the at least one of the one or more selectable optionsassociated with the first content segment is received prior todisplaying the second user interface.
 19. The system of claim 16,wherein the selection of the at least one of the one or more selectableoptions associated with the first content segment is received subsequentto the selection of the particular transition option.
 20. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the operations further comprise performing atransition with respect to the second content segment in response to theselection of the particular transition option, wherein the transitionincludes displaying the first user interface in a first window whileconcurrently displaying the second content segment in a second window,displaying the first user interface while playing an audio portion, butnot a video portion, of the second content segment, sending a request topause transmission of the second content segment to a media contentserver while displaying the first user interface, displaying the firstuser interface while recording the second content segment, or acombination thereof.